A/N Most characters and plot belong to J.K Rowling
Chapter 7: The Noble Mansion of Potter
Harry and his friends, Daphne and Hermione, were running up to stairs; they had just finished scoping out the third-floor corridor, learning about a three-headed dog protecting something to do with Nicolas Flamel Harry was reminded himself trying to make sense of it all. They all reached the library and stood outside, catching their breath before opening the door and making their way in. The library was almost empty except for some other Ravenclaw first years, Terry boot and Padma Patil. Harry found Tracey sitting at the table in the back; Harry should have put their names on it, seeing it was always the same table for them. He never would, though, as Madam Pince would slaughter him and turn him into a book.
They all sat down, greeting Tracey and saying they had some information. Daphne recalled how they found the dog, and hagrid let slip about Nicolas Flamel. Tracey gasped at the name. "Do you mean Nicolas Flamel, the alchemist?" They all looked befuddled. Tracey asked them to wait and went to pull a book, and she finally came back with Alchemy, Ancient Art and Science. They waited silently as Tracey flipped through the book, trying to find Nicolas; it took five minutes to find the name, but she gasped and began, "Here it is, Nicolas Flamel is a noted Alchemist being the only person ever to create the Philosopher's Stone. It's said to turn any metal into gold and is the main ingredient for the Elixir of Life, which is a potion to make the drinker immortal.
The group sat back in the chairs, processing what they had heard. Was the Philosopher's stone really at Hogwarts? Harry couldn't wrap his head around it even when the girls started gossiping about why Dumbledore would be guarding it and not Flamel. It didn't make a difference; he now knew what the dog was protecting and how dangerous it could be for anyone to steal it. The day was not solely dedicated to speculation as they still had assignments to complete and homework that needed to be done, so as the hours passed by, the talk of Flamel died out and was replaced by the scratching of quills.
Christmas time had started to show at Hogwarts; trees had been put up taller than Harry had ever imagined fireflies were trapped in jars twinkling in the halls. Even most of the teachers seemed in better moods, all except Snape. Snape had a reputation of docking points from any student who seemed overly cheerful trying to force his depression on others. Flitwick came around with a clipboard asking who would be staying for the holidays' Harry and Remus both decided to visit the Potter Mansion for Christmas, something Harry had been looking forward to these past couple of weeks. Hermione had also made plans to go skiing with her parents in the Alps, hoping she could study in relative peace not hearing the bustling streets of Muggle Britain. Tracey and Daphne chose to stay over the Holidays, not wanting to face their families back home, who, according to the girls, were furious they were friends with the boy who lived.
The last class before the holidays was History of Magic; most of the class was fooling around and conjuring small snowballs at each other; not even Hermione paid any attention to Binns this class. The bell struck, and everyone ran out of the class, ducking and diving, avoiding getting hit. It started to get heated as teams began to form, Harry and the Ravenclaws vs. Draco and his cronies, minus Goyle, who had been expelled a month earlier. This fight ran down the Halls, causing more students to join and soon, everyone was outside using magic to build forts and bunkers. It was finally ended when Snape of all Professors came out and demolished the barricades yelling, "Anyone who is still outside after I am done here will earn detention and lose their house twenty points." Everyone ran inside, hoping not to be blamed for starting the school-wide fight.
The following day, Harry was on the train with some clothes and books; Hermione sat across from him reading, 'The Dangers of Mountain trolls and how to avoid them.' She claimed it was research for the alps in case she had to defend herself, and Harry knew it was just something else for her to read. He also pulled out his book for wizarding families and etiquette, never getting past the first few pages. As he read, he slowly realized that he pissed off Malfoy, one of the most Ancient wizarding houses. He would try and mend bridges later, knowing Draco wouldn't come around quickly. He also learned about Daphne and how she was the second lady for her own House of Greengrass. He continued to read the book, hoping to follow more of the rules set in place not to disrespect the House of Peverell or Potter.
Harry met Remus on the train platform; he looked beat up and battered like someone kicked him up. Down the hall, Harry smiled and hugged Remus as they walked together; they separated. Harry introduced Hermione, "Remus, this is my friend Hermione and Hermione this is my Uncle Remus." They shook hands after the introductions. Hermione saw her parents and waved goodbye leaving them. "I need to stop at Gringotts to ask Gorbot for the address and inform the House Elves of our arrival tomorrow if that's okay?" Harry asked Remus as they started down the platform; Remus nodded and ruffled Harry's hair, saying he missed seeing him. They reached the fireplaces at the platform's end and said Leaky Cauldron, and with a whoosh, they were gone.
The leaky cauldron was empty, and Tom was walking around mopping the floor. He rose when he heard Harry and Remus come out but went back to cleaning when he saw them leaving for Diagon Alley; the Alley was covered in a light blanket of snow, as they walked down, they could see all the Christmas arrangements in the windows of shops, Once they reached Gringotts the guards opened the doors and motioned them inside.
"Nice and warm in here," Harry said to Remus, who agreed, shivering off the snow from outside. Harry walked down, watching the tellers weigh gold and gems, marking down numbers he couldn't see; he reached the main teller and cleared his throat. "I'm here to see Gorbot, is here available?" The teller left his seat and scurried off to find Gorbot. The teller returned moments later, "He is currently busy, but if you wish to sit outside his office and wait, you may; he said only ten minutes or so," Harry nodded and went to grab the chairs in front of Gorbot's office Remus following behind.
Gorbot called for Harry and Remus to enter thirty minutes later; as they entered the office, Gorbot looked up and sat more straight in his chair, "Sorry, Mr. Potter, I didn't know you were the one waiting, next time just make sure to say who you are." Harry nodded and sat in one of the chairs in front of the desk, Remus taking a chair near the back. "Now, if you, please place your hand on the desk so we can verify your identity before we start," Harry placed his hand and felt a prick; a sheet of paper came out of the desk, and Gorbot grabbed it, nodding. "What can I do for you, Mr. Potter?" Gorbot said curiously.
"I would like the address for Potter Mansion, also alert the House Elves of my arrival tomorrow with my uncle," Harry told Gorbot, who went straight to work finding all the necessary information. He handed the address over to Harry before calling in another goblin who took a piece of paper from Gorbot and ran out of the office. "Anything else?" Gorbot said intently. "Please add Remus John Lupin to the access list for the potter vaults; also, can I begin getting those monthly account recaps as we discussed?" Gorbot then took a piece of paper, waved his hand on it and passed it to Harry, "This is the current list of people with access to your vaults; please read it and tell me if you wish to remove anyone." Harry started to read the paper before him
Access list for the Potter Vaults
Harry James Potter: Age 11
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore: Age 111
Sirius Black III Age: 32
Remus John Lupin Age: 32
Harry finished reading the list and quickly told Gorbot, "Please remove Albus Dumbledore and Sirius Black from my vaults." Remus shot up, hearing the name of Sirius Black and walked over to Harry. "Harry, are you saying Sirius Black had access to your vaults?" Harry quickly nodded. Remus excused himself from the room, saying he needed to send an owl, "come find me in the leaky cauldron when your done," Remus told Harry as he left the room. "Next order of business, Mr. Potter, I will have the monthly report sent along tomorrow to reach you at the Potter Residence" Harry nodded.
Believing that was everything he wanted to do, he got up and started out of the room before being reeled back by Gorbot, "Mr. Potter, I have a new investment opportunity available if you are willing to hear me out, Harry sitting down, motioned for him to continue. "There's a new Quidditch team out of Wales called the Mystical Unicorns; they are currently looking for investors. It seems like a good lineup and would earn you back decent money; this is a limited-time offer as the season has begun. Harry thanked Gorbot for the advice and would contact him later that week with his decision.
Harry found Remus in the leaky cauldron enjoying a cup of cocoa as he walked over, Remus smiled at him and told Tom to bring another; Harry sat across the table from Remus, he started to tell Remus about the investment opportunity as Tom placed the hot cocoa in front of Harry. "Quidditch teams are very unpredictable; one year they could be doing well, then the following year they suck. I would be careful if you invest in anything quidditch." Remus explained to Harry. They finished their cocoa and waved goodbye to Tom as they went into the fireplace and whooshed Home.
Harry couldn't sleep that night, thinking about the months before. Meeting everyone and hoping they would enjoy the gifts he had gotten. He bought Neville a new set of wizard chess pieces, hoping to encourage him to play. Susan would be getting some new quills and colour-changing ink; Harry had always heard her complain about broken quills. Hermione was the hardest to buy for as Harry didn't want just to get her a new book; he decided on getting a personal light it would just sit above your shoulder and follow if you moved. Tracey and Daphne would be receiving matching bracelets that would let them talk to each other no matter how far apart they were; They only needed to hold their hands to the bracelet.
Harry had gotten out of bed, giving up on sleep; he looked over at his clock that read 6 am; not wanting to wake Remus, he fiddled around with his homework, starting his essay on the Venomous Tentacula. Hedwig began to stir, and Harry put away his work and pet Hedwig letting her stretch her wings. Harry opened the window to let Hedwig fly around, starting to hear Remus making breakfast. He closed his window and walked into the dining room, "Morning, Remus, you sleep okay?" Remus mumbled something about no sleep, which led Harry to believe neither of them had slept much last night. Breakfast was the typical eggs and toast; after they finished, Harry went back to his room, packed his books back up, and brought them out, ready to leave for Potter Mansion.
"Ministry of Magic," they both said once they entered the fireplace, Harry had never visited the Ministry, not ever needing to. Harry looked around and saw the grand ceilings and floors that made up the Atrium; Remus led him towards the elevators near the Atrium's back. They both jumped to the side labelled 'Ministry Visitors' the line was short, with only four other wizards standing in front of them. "Next," called the Witch sitting behind a desk; Harry stepped up and said, "Hi, I need a portkey to take me to this address." He handed the paper to the witch, who didn't even seem to look at it. "Fourth Floor, ask for a Darius Condor; he will set you up with the needed Portkey." She also handed Harry and Remus badges to wear, 'Ministry Visitor'. "Next," she once again said when Harry and Remus moved away, heading into the elevators. The halls of the Ministry were busy as Owls flew above their heads and landed on desks delivering mail and notes.
They walked down the Halls looking for the Portkey office; after asking a worker that pointed them farther down the hall, they had found the desk, "Hi, we are looking for a Darius Condor, I" Harry was interrupted by the Wizard "Darius you have some visitors." Harry was shocked at being interrupted but was greeted by Darius moments later. "What can I do for you, gentlemen?" he asked nicely; Harry handed him the paper and said, "We need a portkey to this address." Darius looked at the parchment and motioned Remus and Harry to follow him.
"Unfortunately, I can't make a portkey to this address," Darius said as he rifled through papers scattered all over the desk, "You see, the house is owned by the Potter family and has restricted all Portkeys to need approval from the sitting Lord or Heir." Harry seemed not to understand the problem with this as he was the sitting heir then remembered he hadn't publicly announced his Lordship yet. "Okay, that shouldn't be a problem," he said, making his Potter heir ring visible for Darius and Remus.
Darius sat in shock as he looked at the boys hand then back up at him, noticing the lightning scar, "I am so sorry, Heir Potter, I didn't know it was you." Darius said, now sweating, "Just give me a second to create the proper Portkey. Harry and Remus left the office, letting Darius finish and preparations he needed. The man came out of the office seconds later, motioning for Harry and Remus to follow him; they entered a room labelled Portkey Room #3. It was a small room with no decorations or pictures on the walls. The only thing in the room was a small tin can. Darius walked over to the can and mumbled something Harry hadn't caught, then looked at him and said, "It will leave in twenty seconds, please grab onto it before that; once you reach your destination, please let go of the object and leave it on the ground. Harry nodded and held onto the tin can with Remus after remembering, "Please don't go telling anyone on seeing me today, Mr. Condor. I wish to keep my status unknown at this time." The man nodded. "We keep the privacy of our clients private, Heir Potter." Harry smiled, knowing he would remain anonymous; he didn't need everyone to know who he was and wished to keep it that way.
Harry felt a quick jerk as the tin can moved towards the ceiling, teleporting him and Remus before hitting the roof. The feeling was nothing like Harry had felt before; he seemed to fly through the sky towards his destination. They started to slow down after a minute, and Remus yelled, "Harry, let go and make sure to keep ur legs facing down." It took Harry some time to register they must be there and let go of the can. He felt like he was gliding through the air towards the ground. He looked beside him and saw Remus walking on air towards the soft grass under them; Harry mimicked his Uncle but lost his footing somehow and fell and landed back first on the grass. Remus chuckled as he walked towards Harry, who luckily hadn't felt anything; it must be the magic of the Portkey, Harry thought to himself. Harry sat up, looking around, and all he saw were fields surrounding them with no sign of life, let alone a whole Mansion, "Remus, are you sure we are in the right place?" Remus smiled and lifted Harry's arm into the air, pointing at one of the trees in the distance.
The mansion materialized in front of Harry's eyes. It had a giant iron gate with walls taller than Hogwarts; he slowly got up and walked towards the home; he almost reached the gate when he was pushed away, not hard but not lightly either. He looked at Remus, who was close to laughing, trying to find some guidance. "Hold out the hand with the ring, then push your magic through your arm and out towards the house; it doesn't recognize you anymore." Harry did as he was told and felt a rush of heat move through his body, feeling as if the house was scanning him. The iron gates started to open, showing the winter beauty behind them. Sculptures of snow and ice lined the garden in front of the house; the mansion doors stood at the end of the walkway, which was lit up by small floating lights, like the one Harry had bought for Hermione. Harry started to walk inside when Remus called, "Hey, don't forget me, you need to hold my arm, so the house knows I am allowed to enter." Harry went back and held Remus' arm as they entered through the iron gates, "How do you know so much Remus?" Harry asked him as they walked down the garden path. "You have to remember I was friends with your dad, so I have done this many times." Harry smiled back, forgetting his Dad must have had to do this when he received his rings.
Harry had reached the front oak doors with Remus; they opened as he walked up to them; what he saw shocked him to the core. The room was magnificent; cathedral ceilings came from oak pillars that reached to the floor which was spruce through the whole house, also standing in front of him were five house-elves who looked attentively at Harry, "It's so nice to see you all grown up Heir Potter" the house-elf on the left said to Harry. "My name is Ertue, and I am the head house-elf for the Potter Mansion." He continued down the line to the right, introducing the house elves to Harry. "This Kilut, the head chef and his assistant Hoyu." They both bowed to Harry as Ertue continued, "Jity and, Trean are responsible for the cleaning and welfare of any pets or animals you may keep. Harry bowed back as the introductions finished; well me and my Uncle Remus are tired from our trip to the Mansion, so please show us around then to our rooms. The elves all sprung back to their duties as Ertue showed Harry around; Remus just went upstairs for one of the rooms. "I guess it's just me then," Harry told Ertue, who started the tour, "This door off the main entrance is your formal dining and meeting room; the door to the left of the table leads into a private study which is opened by tapping your ring to the handle." Ertue continued down the left hall; the next door was the kitchens and informal dining room. The final door down the hall was the fitness room equipped with all the items Harry would need to stay in shape without leaving the premises. Down the right hall were the sitting room and fireplace, "If anyone not allowed inside the Mansion tries to floo in, they are sent into the dungeons below and stripped of their wand and any enchantments they are under; Harry hoped he would never have to visit those dungeons. Next was the door leading Harry into a library entirely full to the ceilings. "This is where you will find most of the Potter family's private collection, the most important books are stored in Gringotts. They moved upstairs, where Remus had found a room and was already unpacking. "All rooms have ensuite bathrooms and closets. This room here," signalling the room at the end of the hall, "Is the Master Bedroom." Harry walked in to find the same style as the halls flooded into the room; the bed was more extensive than he needed, and the bathroom was larger than the old apartment he and Remus stayed at, "Thanks, Ertue ill call if I need anything" smiling at the elf as he left the room.
Harry started to tear up as he imagined running into this room and jumping onto the bed, waking up his mother and father. Just being in the house made him feel closer to them. Harry had finished unpacking when Remus knocked on the door and came in, "Hey sport, how are you feeling?" He looked at Harry, knowing it must be hard, "It's okay; Remus being here actually makes me feel closer to them as I imagine running down these halls as a baby having James or Lily chase me. Remus was starting to tear up as well. "They would be proud of you, Harry; you look so much like them, you know. They both walked down the library and started to look at all the books, "Ertue," Harry called into the air, with a snap, the Elf was in front of Harry. "Can you please inform Kilut and Hoyu we wish to eat soon." The elf nodded and, with another crack, was gone.
Dinner was lovely as the Elves did Chicken and rice with corn and green beans, with the option of dessert which both Harry and Remus refused, "Heir Potter" Ertue called as he entered the room, We are starting to receive owls with Christmas presents, would you like us to put up a tree in the sitting room?" Harry quickly nodded, hoping it didn't burden the elves much, "Can you also send a letter to Neville and Augusta Longbottom inviting them for Dinner tomorrow as it's Christmas" The elf left with a crack leaving Remus and him to finish their meal. Dinner was finished, and Remus and Harry were sitting in front of the fire drinking Cocoa, watching the sun go down outside the windows. It had gotten dark once Ertue had returned, "The Most Ancient and Noble House of Longbottom has accepted your invite for Christmas dinner Heir Potter." Harry replied "Thank you, Ertu; please make sure Kilut and Hoyu know of guests for tomorrow," The elf bowed and left Harry and Remus in the sitting room. Harry was the first to get up and head to bed, knowing he would have to host his first small party as an heir tomorrow.
Harry woke up to snow lightly falling outside; He also noticed Christmas lights seemed to be floating outside; he found his glasses on his nightstand and walked into the halls. He saw the walls and stairs had been decorated with tinsel and ornaments; They really went for it, Harry thought, walking down the stairs. He went into the sitting room and found overnight the elves had placed a giant thirty-foot tree that had been fully decorated with lights and ornaments; presents lay under the branches spread out evenly as to show them off, even some stockings were hanging from the fireplace. Harry was speechless as Remus came into the room holding a cup of tea, "I know it surprised me when I woke up as well," Harry jumped, not knowing Remus was behind him. "Happy Christmas, Remus" Harry hugged him, knocking the tea out of his hand; luckily, it didn't make a mess as Ertue caught the cup before it smashed on the floor. "Happy Christmas, Harry" Remus hugged him back, "Let's go have some breakfast before we open any presents," Remus suggested as he walked out of the room.
Breakfast was a healthy serving of Pancakes, French toast and Hashbrowns. Harry didn't have much wanting to save space for dinner later tonight; He made his way back to the sitting room waiting for Remus to join before he opened his stocking, which had been filled with Bertie every flavour beans, chocolate frogs and new quills for school. Remus had opened a stocking almost the same as Harry's, but instead, it contained a special bruise and scrape cream, something he said was a staple from James. Harry would make sure to remember the cream from now on and keep the tradition going.
Finally, it was time for the gifts; Harry decided to keep the gifts from Neville and Augusta for when they joined them. Harry started with the gift from Hermione, which was a homework planner, with the note, "Hey, I know you said your having trouble keeping track of your assignments and homework; this book will automatically update any assignments you have, Wishing you the best Hermione." Next was a gift from Ron Weasley; shit, I didn't think I would get a gift from him. Harry made a mental to note to have something sent after they were done; he opened the present to find a mini self-stirring cauldron. 'Good for making simple and easy potions' it said on the packaging. Also in the box was a picture, "I know you asked about my family, so here's a picture of all of us. Hope you have a good Christmas." Harry looked at it and was surprised by how many brothers he had; it ended with a small girl; Harry guessed it was his youngest sister. Next was Daphne and Tracey's gift; they sent him a book, "Defensive spells for beginners." with a note that read, "Read up, so you don't get killed by Draco; happy Christmas, Tracey and Queenie." Harry had called Daphne, Queenie once before, earning a tripping jinx for the effort, but seeing it written down brought a smile to his face knowing they were becoming good friends. Finally, he reached the package from Remus; he looked over at his Uncle, who finished opening the rip-proof robes Harry had bought for him and noticed he was watching the young boy.
Harry took the package out from under the tree, as he did, the package started to Transfigure into a long roll of paper instead of the box it was when Harry saw it under the tree, as he unwrapped the gift he saw the brown twigs coming from the bottom and looked at his uncle speechless. It was a brand new Nimbus 2000 broom, "A BROOM? The eleven-year-old boy jumped Remus from excitement. "Your father wanted you to have a broom when you were finally old enough." Harry was so excited and couldn't stop hugging his uncle. He finally calmed down, holding onto the broom with lots of care, good brooms are expensive, and the Nimbus 2000 was one of the most costly brooms available. After getting permission, he ran outside and tried out his new broom; the brooms at school couldn't even compare; the nimbus flew through the air like a knife turning with every slight movement.
He didn't stay out long as he was getting cold; as he came back inside, Hoyu offered him some hot Tea and lunch, which he enjoyed with the biggest smile. Knowing his guests were probably coming any minute he ran upstairs and changed into more formal wear and sat in the sitting room reading his new spellbook from Queenie and Tracey. It wasn't long till he heard the familiar whoosh from the fireplace and looked up to find Neville and Augusta in his new sitting room, Neville taking in the sight of Potter Mansion. Harry was the first to greet his guests as Ertue took their hats and coats. "Sorry about the floo network; I still have to owl the Ministry to have it added for the general public," Remus said, coming into the sitting room. Harry had told them to come from Remus' muggle apartment which was the only other fireplace connected to Mansion right now. Harry smiled and excused himself going to make sure everything would be ready and perfect for dinner tonight.
A/N Heres is the extra long chapter for everyone to munch on. Thanks, everyone, for the response for Harry/Daphne or Harry/Hermione/Daphne; I now know where I want it to go.
Thanks to everyone who has favourited and followed the story so far hope you continue to enjoy it.
Question for all you readers, Would you like long chapters every other day or so? Or would you like shorter chapters every day, I can't wait to hear what you all have to say
Next time: Harry's dinner goes according to plan? And Harry gets two unexpected deliveries. Maybe Draco and Harry stand off? (It will happen soon)
Check it all out tomorrow.